Pristine white sand beaches around the world attract tourists and locals alike for their powdery shores and turquoise waters. Formed primarily from rock and minerals such as quartz that have been crushed over thousands of years, this luscious coastline offers the quintessential seaside experience.
From the United States and Italy to the Maldives and Australia, these 15 beautiful white sand beaches are the stuff your vacation dreams are made of.
Angaga Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Media Colors / Alamy
Angaga Island Resort covers the entire South Ari Atoll, but the island’s natural Maldivian beauty is the real superstar here. Pearly white sands surround the island, and luxurious beach bungalows jut out into the shimmering turquoise Indian Ocean.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most popular beaches in the Seychelles, and for good reason. This beautiful white sand beach is dotted with towering granite boulders and palm trees, and a nearby coral reef keeps the waters calm, perfect for swimming.
Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, South Africa
Getty Images/Gallo Images
This protected beach on South Africa’s Cape Peninsula is formed of finely crushed granite, with remnant boulders still dotted around it. Boulders Beach, part of Table Mountain National Park, is a popular gathering place for endangered African penguins. Although it is prohibited to touch or feed the birds, wildlife enthusiasts can observe them from a special boardwalk built along the beach.
Hyams Beach, Shoalhaven, Australia
Getty Images
Approximately 190 miles from the mighty city of Sydney lies the beautiful white sand of Hyams Beach. In addition to being a popular destination for beach lovers, it is also a top spot for whale watching. Jervis Bay is the halfway point on the Humpback Highway, where thousands of whales migrate to and from Antarctica from May to November each year.
Luskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland
Getty Images/iStockphoto
On the west coast of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is a stretch of beach known as Luskentyre. The cool climate of this white sand beach sets it apart from the other beaches on this list. So are the wild white ponies that roam the coast.
Matira beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Stretching for a mile on the southern tip of Bora Bora, this beach is the island’s largest public beach. Perfect white sand is lined with crystal blue Polynesian waters. A nearby park has a picnic area. This popular beach also serves as the ending point for the world-famous Hawaiki Nui, Vaa (outrigger canoe) race held each fall.
Kaunaoa Bay, Kohala, Hawaii
Getty Images/Outlook
Kaunaoa Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii is a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by palm trees and a typical white sand beach. This is one of the few brightly colored areas on the west side of the island, with some parts turning black and gray from lava and coral. The historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is located on the waterfront.
Rabbit Beach, Pelage Islands, Italy
Chris Ward Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Located between Malta and Tunisia, this region is one of the most remote places in Europe. Rabbit Island (known in Italian as Isola dei Conigli) is located off the coast of a large island north of Lampedusa. Visitors to the beaches here will experience some of the clearest water and whitest sand in the Mediterranean.
Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep, India
This paradisiacal beach on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) remains pristine and free from major development. The soft white sands of Radhanagar Beach are nestled between the shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal and the lush tropical greenery, offering a perfectly serene experience. Snorkelers will love exploring the bay’s marine life and colorful coral, but be sure to step outside at the end of the day to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Getty Images
The silica-rich sand of Whitehaven Beach gives it its snow-white appearance. Even in the hottest sun, silica never overheats, so you don’t have to worry about burning your feet. This secluded beach can only be accessed by boat, helicopter or small plane.
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Salvatore Baravaro/EyeEm/Getty Images
Sometimes ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is over three miles long and known for its pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. There is a large weir reef about a mile offshore that cushions most of the big waves, so the bay remains calm.
Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
Getty Images
Americans don’t have to travel far to find beautiful beach destinations. As the name suggests, this location has beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters and white sand beaches, perfect for water sports and sunbathing.
white beach, boracay, philippines
Michael Wells/Getty Images
As its name suggests, White Beach on the small island of Boracay in the Philippines is a picturesque oasis lined with palm trees, bars, and hotels. Peak season is from December to May, when the nightlife is lively. Boracay can be reached by plane or ferry from cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Getty Images
Mexico’s coast is full of beautiful beaches, but Playa Norte is one of the best thanks to its soft white sand and sparkling waters. Plus, it’s just a 25-minute ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla
Marco Bich/EyeEm/Getty Images
Anguilla has beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels perfect for travelers seeking relaxation. The popular white-sand Shoal Bay Beach is home to multiple restaurants, resorts, and a full range of activities.
